Development of a Biologging Cetacean Dorsal Fin Tag that Measures Conductivity or Salinity

NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service is seeking development of a specialized biologging cetacean dorsal fin tag that measures conductivity and salinity for monitoring bottlenose dolphins in varying salinity environments. The tags must measure salinity from 0-40 practical salinity units, archive and transmit data via Argos satellites, include UHF transmitters for real-time tracking, and weigh approximately 90 grams or less. The three-year project aims to produce up to 26 prototype and final tags across multiple development phases, with progressive field testing conducted through authorized partners like the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program and National Marine Mammal Foundation. The contract will be awarded based on best value considerations, with technical capabilities weighted more heavily than price, and the government seeks contractors with demonstrated experience in developing single-point attachment tags for small cetaceans and collaborating with federal agencies. Quote submissions are due September 4, 2025 at 3:00 PM Mountain Time, and quoters must submit three volumes including business solution, technical approach with corporate experience limited to 10 pages, and pricing information.

This opportunity is designated as a 100% Small Business set-aside with an estimated total contract value between $400,000-$500,000 over the entire performance period from September 2025 through September 2026. The contract structure combines Time-and-Materials and Firm-Fixed-Price elements, with deliverables including 3-10 tags across multiple development versions during the base period and optional phases. The work involves sensor hardware and software development, prototype tag creation, laboratory testing, and field testing phases, with the ultimate goal of deploying final tags in bay, sound, and estuary habitats for dolphin health monitoring. Performance will be based in Silver Spring, Maryland, and the project timeline extends through August 2028 for complete tag deployment and data collection. No incumbent contractors are specifically identified in the solicitation documents, indicating this may be a new requirement or open competition among qualified small businesses in the research and development sector.